Audiology practice management in South Africa: What audiologists know and what they should know

Abstract

BackgroundIn future, the South African Department of Health aims to purchase services from accredited private service providers. Successful private audiology practices can assist to address issues of access, equity and quality of health services. It is not sufficient to be an excellent clinician, since audiology practices are businesses that must also be managed effectively.ObjectiveThe objective was to determine the existing and required levels of practice management knowledge as perceived by South African audiologists.MethodAn electronic descriptive survey was used to investigate audiology practice management amongst South African audiologists. A total of 147 respondents completed the survey. Results were analysed by calculating descriptive statistics. The Z-proportional test was used to identify significant differences between existing and required levels of practice management knowledge.ResultsSignificant differences were found between existing and required levels of knowledge regarding all eight practice management tasks, particularly legal and ethical issues and marketing and accounting. There were small differences in the knowledge required for practice management tasks amongst respondents working in public and private settings.ConclusionIrrespective of their work context, respondents showed that they need significant expansion of practice management knowledge in order to be successful, to compete effectively and to make sense of a complex marketplace.

The business management training needs of South African Biokineticists to ensure business sustainability

“…Professionals are continuously challenged with balancing the concepts of business management, knowledge development and business sustainability with patient quality of life while trying to maintain ethical integrity. [ 1 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]…”

“…It may also lead to the reduction of professionals seeking work overseas if more local work opportunities are available. [ 5 , 9 ] To our knowledge, few studies around the world have determined the business management training needs of health and medical professionals and no study of this sort has been performed on South African Biokineticists.…”

“…Similar studies have been performed on other health and medical professions around the world and in South Africa. [ 1 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] These studies have displayed a need for a more in-depth approach to teaching business concepts to professionals such as Chiropractors and Audiologists. [ 1 , 5 ] Table 1 tabulates the high to very high needs for South African Biokineticists, South African Audiologists and North American Chiropractors [ 1 , 5 ] .…”

“…[ 1 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] These studies have displayed a need for a more in-depth approach to teaching business concepts to professionals such as Chiropractors and Audiologists. [ 1 , 5 ] Table 1 tabulates the high to very high needs for South African Biokineticists, South African Audiologists and North American Chiropractors [ 1 , 5 ] . The results of the above three studies are not directly comparable due to the current study using a 5-point Likert-scale (very low, low, moderate, high and very high) compared to the 4-point Likert-scale used in the Audiologist and Chiropractic studies (very low, low, high, very high).…”

“…The results of the above three studies are not directly comparable due to the current study using a 5-point Likert-scale (very low, low, moderate, high and very high) compared to the 4-point Likert-scale used in the Audiologist and Chiropractic studies (very low, low, high, very high). However, the ranking of importance for the business management fields can be compared [ 1 , 5 ] .…”